Teen Depression
This percentage of U.S. teens aged 12 to 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2022.
17%
A family history of this can increase a teen’s risk for depression.
What is mental illness or depression?
Cite: NIMH, 2023.
This type of therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for teen depression.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
Cite: American Psychological Association, 2022.
This is the most common form of depression, lasting at least two weeks and including symptoms like low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest.
What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
Cite: American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5.
Writing about your emotions in this tool can help manage depressive thoughts and track progress.
What is a journal?
Cite: Mental Health America, 2023.
This gender is almost twice as likely to experience teen depression.
What is female?
Cite: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2023.
These two major life events are common triggers for depressive episodes in teens.
What are parental divorce and bullying?
Cite: CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, 2021.
This type of medical professional can prescribe antidepressants to teens.
What is a psychiatrist or pediatrician?
This type of depression is less severe but lasts for two years or more.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (also called Dysthymia)?
Cite: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2023.
Talking to a professional like this can help teens understand and manage their feelings.
What is a therapist or counselor?
Cite: NIMH, 2023.
Name one common symptom of teen depression besides sadness.
What is irritability, fatigue, or changes in sleep or appetite?
Cite: Mayo Clinic, 2023.
This digital activity has been linked to higher rates of teen depression when used excessively.
What is social media?
Cite: Twenge et al., Clinical Psychological Science, 2019.
This national hotline offers 24/7 support for teens in crisis.
What is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
Cite: SAMHSA, 2023.
This type of depression is triggered after giving birth and involves severe mood swings, exhaustion, and anxiety.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Cite: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 2022.
This practice involves focusing on the present moment and reducing anxiety, often through breathing or body scans.
What is mindfulness or meditation?
Cite: American Psychological Association, 2022.
Teens with depression should just "power through it."
Depression can affect sleep, energy level and motivation, to name a few associated symptoms. Teens cannot simply “mind over matter” or will themselves to overcome depression. They can, however, engage in positive activities to help alleviate symptoms.
Teens identifying as part of this community face higher depression rates due to discrimination and stress.
What is the LGBTQ+ community?
Cite: The Trevor Project, National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 2023.
True or false: Depression is just a phase and teens will grow out of it.
What is false?
This mood disorder occurs in children and adolescents and involves chronic irritability and temper outbursts.
What is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)?
Cite: DSM-5, APA.
Getting 8 to 10 hours of this every night helps regulate mood and improve brain function.
What is sleep?
Cite: National Sleep Foundation, 2022.
True or false: All sadness is depression
False. It’s normal to feel sad about or grieve over difficult life situations, such as a breakup or failing a class. But depression is different in that it persists practically every day for at least two weeks and involves other symptoms than sadness alone.
This hormone-related developmental stage increases emotional sensitivity and risk of depression.
What is puberty?
Cite: Harvard Medical School, 2022.
This setting is most often where teen depression is first noticed.
What is school?
Cite: CDC, 2021.
This term describes short-term depression triggered by a significant life stressor, such as a breakup or job loss.
What is Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood?
Cite: DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association.
Reducing time spent doing this can improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
What is screen time or social media use?
Cite: Twenge et al., Journal of Adolescence, 2020.